The Majestic Lord Tachibana

"Greetings, Lord Tachibana. Here is some catnip beverage for you to try, meow."

"Greetings, Lord Tachibana. Here is some freshly grilled fish for you to try, meow."

"Meow, work hard! One day, you too will be able to tame an Uchiha's Mangekyo and become a cat among cats, just like me."

The Ruined Empty Zone, just as its name suggests, is a place where no humans reside. It belongs to no country or village, but is territory belonging to the Ninja Cat clan.

The big orange cat, with its yellow and white fur, was already dressed human-like in a tight-fitting red outfit. The back of the clothing bore a circle with the handsome character "Martial" written inside. Paired with Tachibana's smug cat face, it made the surrounding Ninja Cats envious and jealous, yet they still had to put on a respectful demeanor.

Ever since Uchiha Takeyasu awakened his Mangekyo and became a Young Lord of the Uchiha Clan, Tachibana, who was previously insignificant, saw its status within the Ninja Cat clan skyrocket like a rocket. In the blink of an eye, it became the rising star and the hottest commodity of the Ninja Cat clan.

Although this orange cat had a potbelly, short legs, was pitiful and helpless, had a big mouth, was timid and easily scared, and was very curious, it couldn't be helped that it had a powerful owner.

"At first, I thought Uchiha Takeyasu would quickly die out there after being listed as a rogue ninja. I never expected this fat cat to turn its fortunes around, meow."

Watching Tachibana's retreating back, holding a beverage in one paw and grilled fish in the other, a few close Ninja Cat friends whispered in a corner.

"What bad luck. I even mocked it a few times back then, saying a useless cat following a great loser. Sigh, I hope Lord Tachibana doesn't hold it against me, meow."

"We're all the same. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been assigned to guard duty, meow."

"Truly, different cats, different fates, meow."

"We should think of ways to continue sending gifts, otherwise our cat lives will be quite difficult, meow."

The Ninja Cats exchanged glances and decided to have a good chat with their contracted Uchiha—Look at Uchiha Takeyasu, he awakened his Mangekyo at sixteen! You better show some promise!

The carefree and plump Tachibana didn't dwell on past events. As a brave orange cat that looked forward, difficulties were merely minor detours in its cat life.

(I've decided, tomorrow I'll go to the Fire Family's place. That guy badmouthed Lord Takeyasu, and it definitely wasn't because their food is delicious.)

Wanting to uphold justice for its owner, Tachibana, flicking its little tail and wiping its glistening mouth, walked into the depths of the Ruined Empty Zone and met the Ninja Cat clan head, Nekomata.

A scar on its fierce cat face made the previously imposing Tachibana a little scared.

"Meow, Clan Head Nekomata, what do you need me for?"

Tachibana obediently squatted on the soft cushion in front of Nekomata. This was its first time in the clan head's room.

Feeling curious and awkward, Tachibana couldn't help but turn its bright cat eyes, taking in the room.

The room was filled with catnip, which cats loved, and even the air smelled sweet and delicious.

(As expected of Clan Head Nekomata, you truly know how to enjoy life.)

"I have some good news that I need you to relay to Young Lord Takeyasu, meow."

After first showing concern for Tachibana, easing the little orange cat's unease and nervousness, Clan Head Nekomata got straight to the point.

"His Excellency the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has dispatched an envoy to Konoha. Among them are the Daimyo's heir, Prince Minamoto Kazuhiko, and the most beautiful princess, Princess Minamoto Kaori. The Ninja Cats on guard said that the Daimyo seems to want to marry Princess Kaori to Young Lord Takeyasu, and at the same time intends to bestow the title of Princess of the Land of Fire upon Tsunade."

Tachibana tilted its cat head, its whiskers twitching, its cat eyes filled with confusion. "Meow meow, why would a high and mighty figure like the Daimyo want to marry his daughter to Lord Takeyasu?"

"There could be many reasons."

Nekomata poured them both a cup of catnip beverage, took a small sip, and a blissful smile appeared on its cat face. Its voice was a little ethereal, "But in the end, it's because the Daimyo fears the Uchiha."

"Just like you and me now."

Nekomata looked at the thoughtful Tachibana and chuckled, "Whether between humans or between Ninja Cats, things are often quite realistic."

"So Tachibana, cherish your bond with Young Lord Takeyasu. It's a precious connection that many Ninja Cats can only dream of, accompanying him from weakness to strength!"

"Clan Head Nekomata, Tachibana understands."

Looking at Tachibana, who might or might not have truly understood, Nekomata remained noncommittal. As long as Tachibana maintained its current disposition, its relationship with Uchiha Takeyasu wouldn't be too bad.

"Then tomorrow morning..."

Before Nekomata could finish, it saw Tachibana disappear with a bang. Nekomata blinked helplessly, reached out to take the unfinished catnip beverage Tachibana left behind, sniffed it with a look of intoxication, and drank it up with delight.

"Lord Takeyasu! There's great news!"

Ripples of teleportation magic appeared in the air. Uchiha Takeyasu, who had just finished bathing, saw Tachibana jump out of the void ahead, meowing and pedaling with its short legs.

Its four pale pink paws clung to Uchiha Takeyasu's yukata, and it scurried onto his shoulder. Uchiha Takeyasu reacted quickly, catching Tachibana in his arms with one hand.

"Tachibana, how many times have I told you, don't panic when something happens."

"Meow meow, Tachibana isn't panicking, I'm just happy for Lord Takeyasu! Lord Takeyasu is getting a wife, meow!"

"..."

Uchiha Takeyasu, who was about to pet the cat, stopped. He looked at Tachibana with a face full of surprise, reached out, and pinched Tachibana's cat face. "You gluttonous, lazy, big-mouthed cat, where did you hear such gossip?"

Tachibana's temperament didn't match its steady weight at all, but it wouldn't just spout nonsense.

"Clan Head Nekomata told me, meow."

Tachibana organized its thoughts and relayed Clan Head Nekomata's words to Uchiha Takeyasu verbatim. In terms of message delivery, Tachibana was a trustworthy Ninja Cat.

In the last war, there were several times when Uchiha Takeyasu would have been left for dead in the wilderness if not for Tachibana's timely messages. He wouldn't be enjoying his current leisurely demeanor.

"The Minamoto of the Land of Fire."

Uchiha Takeyasu gently stroked Tachibana's soft fur, his eyes slightly raised. "It seems our Daimyo of the Land of Fire isn't a complete fool either."

For royalty and nobles, marriage alliances were the lowest-cost and most effective way to unite.

By marrying a princess into the Uchiha, raising the political standing of the Uchiha Clan, they could also pull the Uchiha onto the Land of Fire's war chariot without expending any effort.

If it had been an ordinary Young Lord of the Uchiha, facing the Daimyo's "sincere" overtures, they might have ended up using the Uchiha's traditional skill – a stubborn refusal to bend their minds, willingly being driven by the Daimyo.

Unfortunately, he encountered an ambitious transmigrator. Uchiha Takeyasu's short-term goal was the Third Hokage. If he succeeded in taking it, his next target would be the entire Land of Fire.

"Tachibana, pay close attention to the Daimyo's envoy delegation. I want Minamoto Kaori, that jewel of the Land of Fire."

The calm voice, with an unquestionable tone, reached Tachibana's cat ears. Tachibana's cat face showed a solemn expression, and her tail stood up. "Lord Takeyasu, Meow understands. Leave the subsequent intelligence gathering to Meow."

"I'm counting on you, Tachibana."

No matter where, reputation and capability are things one cannot entrust to others.

Facing the bestowed title delivered right to his doorstep, how could Uchiha Takeyasu refuse? After becoming the Third Hokage, the future Land of Fire would surely be a unified military and political entity!